Stephanie and Joaquin ~ Kim and Lincoln ~ Breastfeeding at the Gateway in Salt Lake City, UT

"At first, breastfeeding was a hard adjustment for both of us. I nearly gave up several times but convinced myself to keep trying until my son was three months old. It was definitely not easy and involved a lot of tears. Sometime after he was two months old, things just got better. I was finally able to enjoy the quiet bonding time with my precious son. I love the way he gazes at me with his big brown eyes and reaches for my shirt collar with his free hand. I am grateful we pushed through it and I know I will miss breastfeeding him someday." ~ Stephanie, mama to 4 month old Joaquin

"Breastfeeding for me has been an array of emotions. Some of my sweetest experiences and most wonderful bonding moments have been while breastfeeding. While on the contrary, some of my most frustrating moments of motherhood thus far have also been while breastfeeding. I have both laughed and cried during feedings. I have felt my heart overflow with love for my baby as his tiny little body snuggles close to me. Yet other times I have been ready to give up after the screaming and pulling and impatience. 

"Overall I feel extremely blessed to have the ability to provide the best nourishment for my child. I know that this experience has bonded me with my sweet son, and I will never forget the countless hours spent breastfeeding. I'll never forget those big blue eyes, fighting to stay awake when he was a newborn and now those eyes dance with joy as he gazes up at Mom while eating. Sometimes he will let go just to give me a huge smile and a little laugh and then quickly latch back on for fear the milk will go away. I think that a breastfeeding baby is one of the cutest things in the world, and I have to remind myself that during the difficult moments." ~Kim, mama to 3 month old Lincoln